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FOREWORD
Foreword by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth
This Government has a very clear Purpose - to increase sustainable economic growth for Scotland.
This is underpinned by five strategic objectives:
- A wealthier and fairer Scotland;
- A smarter Scotland;
- A healthier Scotland;
- A safer and stronger Scotland; and
- A greener Scotland.
Achieving this purpose and delivering all 5 objectives drives all our decisions.
Scottish public bodies will have a crucial role to play in helping us achieve our goals. I recognise that people are key to what we can achieve and employees in the civil service, NDPBs and public corporations - at every level - make a vital contribution to this work.
We have to achieve our aims within the tightest financial settlement provided to any Scottish Administration, so we need to spend the resources available in the best possible way to have the maximum impact on delivering our Purpose. It is therefore essential that we maintain moderate, affordable and sustainable pay settlements. Whilst we trust that you can develop the pay and reward systems that are right for your business needs, a tight policy framework with limits, within which your decisions are taken, is necessary.
I expect you to comply fully with this policy and work within its parameters. The policy does have flexibility to allow more money to be targeted at making a difference. Whether that is dealing with low pay in the public sector, addressing inequalities in pay and reward systems, or making sure that you can recruit, retain and motivate your staff to deliver the outcomes expected of you and of your organisations.
The policy we have put in place offers a realistic approach to public sector pay increases in the current financial climate. One which provides strict limits where necessary but balances the need for flexibility in dealing with the issues facing many public bodies. It is a policy which is right for public bodies, right for Scotland and works towards our Purpose of increasing sustainable economic growth.
John Swinney
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth
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